Man jailed after trying to lure two eight-year-olds into his car

A 21-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly trying to lure two eight-year-old girls into his car Tuesday and show him the way to Concord Elementary School.

According to the Star Tribune, both girls refused and alerted their parents.

District spokesman Doug Johnson told the Star Tribune the incidents happened around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The suspect, whose name has not been released, is in custody pending charges.

Edina deputy police chief Jeff Long declined to identify the two girls who were walking home from school when the suspect approached them.

A citizen spotted the suspect talking to the girl, learned what happened, and followed him to get the license plate number before calling police.

The suspect told police he was lost and needed to find his way home, Long told the Star Tribune.

"He said he was sincerely lost and looking for directions," Long said. "The problem we saw with that was that he claimed he talked to a couple people, including a man, but we have not had anyone step forward to say that."

Long also told the Star Tribune the suspect asked to speak to an attorney and has had a criminal history that includes burglary and assault.